2004-02-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CHARLOTTESVILLE CITY COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON Thursday, February 26, 2004 AT 7:00 p.m. IN THE Basement Conference Room. THE PROPOSED AGENDA IS AS FOLLOWS: Work Session: Jefferson School Task Force Repo rt BY ORDER OF THE MAYOR BY Jeanne Cox BASEMENT CONFERENCE ROOM - February 26, 2004 Council met in special session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Ms. Mary Reese, C o - Chair of the Jefferson School Task Force, reviewed the process used by the Task Force, and presented three scenarios for Jefferson School for Council's consideration: a library and cultural center; a learning and community center; and a multi - purpose ce nter. Ms. Reese said all options include a renovated Carver Recreation Center. Mr. Don Gecker, an attorney and historic tax credit expert, described regulations for federal and state historic tax credits. For federal tax credits, for which 20% credits can be received, Mr. Gecker said jurisdictions cannot use the credit and the title for the property must be moved into the hand of a private entity. The building can only return to public use if less then 35% of the floor space is under control of the jur isdiction. The jurisdiction cannot retain control of the partnership for five years after receipt of the tax credits. The tax credits are earned when the renovations are complete and credits only apply within the existing building envelope. State tax cr edits provide 25% credit, but there is no five year window of control as in federal tax credits. Mr. Gecker said site work, but no new buildings are eligible for state tax credits. Mr. Lynch asked if a library would qualify since the City is involved, a nd Mr. Gecker said it would be allowed because the City's ownership would be less than 50%. Ms. Richards asked about standards for rehabilitation of interiors of buildings on historic registers, and Mr. Gecker said that architecturally significant featur es in the interior of buildings must be retained, but there will probably be some flexibility on the maintenance of the appearance of the corridors. Ms. Bitsy Waters, a member of the Jefferson School Task Force, said there were strong feelings in the c ommunity about the interior of Jefferson School as well as the exterior. Mr. Gecker said that being on a federal or state historic registry does not affect what you do with the building unless you want to pursue tax credits. Mr. Lynch made a motion to apply for the entire Jefferson School site to be on the state and federal historic registries. Mr. Craig Barton, Jefferson School Task Force member, asked about the difference in an individual versus historical historic designation. Mr. Gecker said a d istrict is created where individual buildings would not qualify, but said there is no difference in benefits. The motion to apply for Jefferson School to be placed on the state and federal historic registries was approved by the following vote. Ayes: M r. Caravati, Mr. Cox, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Richards, Mr. Schilling. Noes: None.